Year Anniversary
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THIS ISSUES
CONTENTS 5 FINANCE Strengthening Our Emergency Fund BMO consultant - Dan Hein,
EDITOR
SCOTT COWAN (403) 504-7092
6 EDITORIAL Walking Down the Red Carpet
ART DIRECTOR
JOAN BATEMAN
Scott Cowan covers three years of top stories
scott-cowan@live.com ADDRESS
377 - 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K4
GRAPHICS DIRECTOR
13 Golf Five Days Golfing in Scotland Columnist Donald Crawley.
HEATHER COONS
info@spotlightmagazine.ca
PHOTOGRAPHY
GAINSBORO STUDIOS
Brent Dunstan Where the Strategic Wind Blows Columnist 18
19 The Fashion Files Gainsboro Spotlight 2
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In a recent article we mentioned the importance of our Emergency Fund. How much should we set aside? Some suggest 3-8 months of living expenses. Some seasoned Albertans maintain a 1-2 year buffer given our history of ups and downs in energy related industries. I propose 8 months coverage as a starting point. From a standing start, this may seem a daunting goal. Be encouraged this is a mountain we can all climb! We can sharpen up our debt reduction efforts while also contributing steadily to a separate Emergency Fund. Consolidate existing smaller accounts to get a jumpstart.
All expenses should be considered, but be aware of which ones can be cut back during a cash crunch.
Without this layer of protection, a surprise event can badly damage our financial wellbeing. A leaky roof or car trouble can quickly run into thousands of dollars. The financial impact arising from sudden job loss, death of a spouse, disability, separation or divorce can be even more devastating.
If the need arises to access Emergency Fund, as soon as the dust settles, start replenishing the account as quickly as possible.
When we need cash fast, where will it come from? Without this reserve some of us resort to credit cards or loans some sell investments at an inopportune time (incurring added taxes) - some are compelled to liquidate their home. Any such steps quickly downgrade our financial future. While insurance can shelter us in some specific emergencies, a dedicated source of funding to weather a financial storm is critically important.
Being Prepared –
Cherie Martens
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Earnie Taylor Service Manager
To “right-size” our Emergency Fund, tally recurring monthly expenses (mortgage payment, rent, utility bills, insurance premiums, car payment, etc.).
Add and Replenish – Once we start our Emergency Fund, we can seek ways to build it faster. Did we get a raise? Increase the contribution! With larger cash receipts or windfalls (a bonus at work - an inheritance - a tax refund) consider directing some or most of this into your Emergency Fund, rather than spending it. When the mortgage is eliminated, redirect some of this additional cash flow into the Emergency Fund. Accelerate!
Invest & Grow Since we don’t know if or when we may need to tap our Emergency Fund, maintain a short-term portfolio profile that is highly liquid - we want to avoid selling charges, termination fees and significant taxes. Now that TFSA contribution room is as much $41,000 per Canadian adult, this is a great place for some or all of our reserve. All growth inside the TFSA is tax-immune and cash can be withdrawn any time with no tax impact. Clarify any investing or management fees. Consider paying an entry fee to avoid back end charges in case we need to sell out suddenly. We want our Emergency Fund to be easily accessible. Choose a broadly diversified, balanced investment. Avoid volatility and high risk in this Emergency Fund.
“Stick-to-it-iveness” Required – We may need to periodically remind ourselves of the single purpose of our reserve – it is not for a family vacation or other discretionary purchases. Budget and accumulate separately for other expected expenses (vehicle replacement, income tax instalments, renovations, etc.).
The Sunny Side – Knowing adequate funds are available should the unexpected need arise, provides a sense of security – we can rest easier and focus more fully on the rest of life. Should our expenses permanently decrease, we can re-calculate our target reserve size and free up some cash for any purpose – Reward yourself – Make a philanthropic mark – or both! Work with your trusted advisor to build an Emergency Fund into your financial plan. Be sure your advisor knows that for your Emergency Fund you want limited volatility and access to funds with no surprise charges.
Lets Connect: Dan Hein, BRE Investment Advisor BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. 606 2nd St SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C9
403-528-6771 Dan.Hein@nbpcd.com www.bmo.com/nesbittburns
Owner/Business Manager Note: Some terms are capitalized for purposes of greater clarity in the context of this discussion only. BMO Wealth Management is the brand name for a business group consisting of Bank of Montreal and certain of its affiliates, including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., in providing wealth management products and services. “BMO (M-bar Roundel symbol)” is a registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal. If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns, please contact your Investment Advisor for more information. The comments included in this publication are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax applicability or trust and estate law. The comments contained herein are general in nature and professional advice regarding an individual’s particular tax position should be obtained in respect of any person’s specific circumstances.
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Photo credit Joan Bateman
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very once in a while you meet someone so interesting. You immediately wish to become friends. In the interview process sometimes you walk away saddened. Realizing, that the time spent getting to know that particular person is probably the most interaction you may ever have together. Such was the hour I spent with Scott Wilson, AKA Hershel Greene of “The Walking Dead,” fame. Few celebrities are as open, and genuine, as I found him to be during our interview.
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contacted his publicist asking for some time after discovering he was appearing at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. Amazingly, he called my cell personally. He agreed to see me on Monday afternoon, before leaving the city. “Just call me when you’re in the hotel lobby, you have my cell number on your phone,” he said. Later he even gave me his home address to send copies of our magazine.
Scott has over 50 IMDb credits and has been acting for over fifty years. His first big role was in Truman Capote’s 1967 block buster classic film, “In Cold Blood.” Co-starring Robert Blake, John Forsythe, and Will Geer. He won the role due to the fact that he resembled the real life villain, Dick Hickok. He appeared that year on the cover of “Life Magazine,” beside Capote and Robert Blake. Later he starred “In the Heat of the Night,” opposite Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, and Warren Oates. Four Oscars were awarded for the film. Scott went on to star in The Great Gatsby, Dead Man Walking, Pearl Harbor, Junebug, and too many others to list in this space. At 18 years of age he took ill while playing basketball for Southern Tech University. With his ball career over, he decided to hitchhike to Los Angeles. A friend introduced him to acting and he was hooked. He studied his craft for five years waiting for the big break. His first paid play was; The Importance of Being Earnest, earning him... fifty cents. He has the cheque to this day. His second role was Outward Bound. Scott told a great story about how he was once in Heathrow Airport. Legendary actor Burt Lancaster walked up to compliment him on his work and portrayal of the killer in Cold Blood. He thanked Lancaster, not even recognizing the Hollywood star. He later starred opposite the iconic actor. They got along very well, Burt was a great guy, Scott claimed. I asked which role had more appeal; that of the villain... or good guy? He laughed telling me how he had once played a saint for an unknown writer in, “Our God’s Brother.” The writer later became a monk with a passion for the homeless and poor. That same monk became famous himself, when he was named Pope John Paul 11. What’s next for this seasoned and diverse talent? Instead of his words, he quoted Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.” He recited, no... preformed the poem with the intensity that only a veteran thespian could. I’ve edited for brevity. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both. And be one traveler, long I stood. And looked down as far I could. I took the one less traveled by, And that made all the difference.
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Printed in May 2015 addition
Norman Reedus is our celebrity cover to kick off the New Year. You all know him as Daryl Dixon, the crossbow carrying zombie killer from the hit series, “Walking Dead.” Spotlight met with him a few months back. He was kind enough to pose with one of our famous ball caps. Norman is probably the most “fan sensitive,” celebrity I have ever interviewed. He was late having been detained at a question and answer panel discussion. A couple of hundred people or more were waiting for autographs. The closing time was approaching for the entire event. Norman sent word he was still coming. He promised if the fans were patient, he would stay as long as needed to see all who were waiting. Every last person was met, and received their moment chatting with him. He kept his promise and did not hurry through the process, including time with yours truly. In the not very distant past, Norman was working for $7.50 an hour in a Venice California Harley Motorcycle shop. He got his first acting gig in the play Maps for Drowners, at the Tiffany Theatre on Sunset Blvd. His first movie was the sci-fi thriller Mimic. You also saw him in Gossip, Blade ll, American Gangster and many more. He is not just an actor; his talent extends to photography, painting, sculpture, and video artistry. His art hangs in galleries
from New York, to Berlin and Frankfurt. He has walked runways as a model wearing Prada, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Durban, Levis, and Morgenthal Fredricks.
On the Red Carpet GAINSBORO SPOTLIGHT by Joan Bateman joan@gainsboro.ca
He has teamed up with Peter Dinklage star of “Game of Thrones.” Peter was our celebrity cover earlier in the year. They are urging people to make a special New Year’s Eve resolution. To refuse purchase and use any cosmetics that incorporate animal testing in their research and manufacturing. Norman reports when he started on Walking Dead, the character of Daryl Dixon was written as a drug addicted racist. Norman approached the powers that be and asked to play the character as a decent guy who basically escaped from a family that was dysfunctional. He was not comfortable delivering racist comments even in an acting situation. They listened and allowed him to develop Daryl as he envisioned. For fans that are concerned about the chance of Daryl becoming a zombie lunch anytime soon, he says. Even he doesn’t know what the future holds. We have to tune in to find out his fate. He says the cast is great. They help each other to make each other look good, and improve the show.
Printed in January 2014 addition
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On stage at BMO Centre, Calgary.
On the Red Carpet GAINSBORO SPOTLIGHT by Joan Bateman joan@gainsboro.ca
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his month’s Gainsboro Spotlight is proud to introduce to our reader’s one of the hottest television and big screen personalities in show business today…Peter Dinklage. We traveled to Calgary’s Comic and Entertainment Expo last month. We were fortunate to have a few moments of face time with the “Game of Thrones,” super star. He was very tight lipped about the future of Tyrion Lannister, encouraging us to read George R.R. Martin’s book series for answers. A full 45 minutes of Q/A revolving around the actors and the elaborate sets, kept media and those in attendance spellbound. He talks like a common man, you and me style. But seeing him in character the following night on television, sealed my opinions.
Bill Paxton “S
potlight”caught up with Bill at this year’s Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. We were fortunate to photograph and speak with Bill. He told a couple interesting stories. He and Ron Howard, and the rest of the lead cast, were guests at the White House to preview Apollo13. On the way to the theatre room, the two of them and President Clinton stopped to use the men’s room. There were three urinals. Ron Howard and Bill Clinton flanked him on either side. He claims he was so star struck, he couldn’t do his business. Clinton introduced his special guest of the evening Senator John Glenn, astronaut. Later when the movie was depicting the launch segment, Tom Hanks nudged Bill to look at Glenn. He was gripping the arms of his seat in a vice like fashion, with jaw and teeth set. He was reliving his own launch, and the trauma of remembering.
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hen preparing for his role in Titanic, James Cameron arranged for him to actually take a dive to the ocean floor. He spoke of the hours of descent time. When the dive lights came on, the bow of the real sunken ship came into view. Bill claims it was the most powerful experience of his life, to actually navigate Titanic.
Benjoy ill was quite excited about his next movie Million Dollar Arm. You can the movie at theaters everywhere.
Bill Paxton is known for his many interesting facial expressions. He captures his audience in a way that many actors can’t.
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Printed in June 2014 addition
Peter speaks with Spotlight editor Scott Cowan at Palliser Hotel, Calgary.
As with all actors, fans only see the resulting present stardom. Few look back to see the lean times and the years of work. Dinklage grew up in Morristown New Jersey. He studied drama at Bennington College and received the Libby Zion Award for dramatic excellence. He carried on to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. His breakout role was “The Station Agent,” which is dear to his heart, as it was a production collaborated on with a good friend. He received the coveted “Audience Award,” at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival for this role. He carried on starring in Elf, Find Me Guilty, Under Dog, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Death at a Funeral, to name a few. Peter is no stranger to Shakespeare, having played Richard III and starred in many other theatrical performances on New York stages. He has a starring role in X-Men Days of Future Past coming out July18/14.
world over. He plays a character who due to his smaller stature, must wield a quick rapier wit and be the superior strategist in the courts of the king; over warriors using swords. Although the entire cast is incredibly talented, Peter stands out as the one to watch. When meeting Dinklage you’re struck not with size of the man, but with the enormity of the size of the actor in the man! Peter has made the incredible leap to leading man material. It is 100% based on raw acting ability. He will never be a George Clooney, Brad Pitt, or Tom Cruise, he’ll be much more. He joked about his acrimony with on screen nemesis Lena Headey. They are good friends in real life and have great admiration for each other. Peter was gracious and made his way to each table in the Palliser Hotel ballroom. He posed for pictures with every fan requesting a cherished memory. Including an image with our own Spotlight editor sporting a “Spotlight Magazine,” ball cap! In 2011 Peter received a prime time Emmy for outstanding supporting actor, and a Golden Globe in 2012. Peter is married with one daughter. He received much applause for talking about his daughter’s pet “rescue dog,” his family adopted. The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo is fast becoming world renowned. They’re now known as the premier event for fan participation and guest line-ups. Over 50,000 people were admitted to this year’s sold out weekend. Hundreds of costumed patrons filled the enormous trade show floor. They are a non-profit event.
After being cast in “Game of Thrones,” his remarkable performance as Lord Tyrion has made his likeness recognizable the Printed in June 2013 addition
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Five Days Golfing in Scotland By Donald Crawley
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There’s much anticipation and excitement when you plan, organize, and commit to 5 days of golf in Scotland. This trip did not disappoint. I met my golfing compatriots in Edinburgh airport on the Monday. I’d traveled in the night before from Arizona. The three came from California, Vermont and an ex patriot living in London. We rented a big blue van designed for eight, but perfect for golf bags and luggage. Our London resident elected to be the designated driver as he was most familiar with the left side of the road. Chuck and Phil helped with the navigation. Seventy-five minutes drive north east to the famed golfing destination of St Andrews. The evening was beautiful, low 60’s, allowing us to snap some pictures on the Swilken Bridge Road hole, and 18th of the 2015 Open Championship site. Also to stay in tradition, we ate fishn’ chips at the Jigger Inn situated overlooking the Road Hole #17 of the Old Course. Be sure to sample the local brew, St Andrews ale which was smooth and cool. Staying at a private hotel ten minutes away, called Rufflets. Jack Nicklaus chose to stay here during his 1978 Open Championship victory. A small quaint hotel, offering good service, and food. Especially the generous full Scottish breakfasts.
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The Old Course was closed. So we chose to play one of the six St. Andrews Trust courses, called Jubilee. This was actually my first, and recommended by the caddies that Boulders Member Bruce Hambro. I had played her on our trip in 2013. Coincidentally, the same caddy was in my group this year. He remembered me from 2013! Astonishing as the St. Andrews caddies are full time, looping some 180 rounds each year. Jubilee is an 1878 course and perhaps the truest links course of them all. It was in good condition, both fairways and greens. It’s advisable to stay out of the notorious Fescue rough. The long
wispy straw looking jungle. However, the caddies are uncanny finding the stray drives. Their stories and personalities add to the flair and enjoyment of the whole Scottish golfing experience. The Jubilee is a good test, longer but slightly wider than the New course. Believe it or not, the Old Course is less penile. With exception to the bunkers! If you can’t get on the Old course I highly recommend either the New or Jubilee. St. Andrews is a lovely town, offering several good restaurants. Full of vibrant college kids attending the University. Lots of visiting tourists. We went three for three picking good evening eating spots. Day two took us to Kingsbarns, the American owned and developed on an ancient golfing site. This links only opened in the 90’s, it hugs the coastal line, providing some dramatic views gives the feeling you are on hallowed ground. This week we found the course to be hard and fast, with very slick greens. Add a 20 mph wind and it proved enjoyable but certainly challenging. We played the forward green tees that the starter recommended and it was a good decision. 6300 yards at sea level; in a cool breeze is plenty of golf for most. Yours truly included. The caddies all were very well trained and knew their stuff. Don’t let the price of the sticker shock you away from Kingsbarns. It is a first class experience. As we were leaving the property I bumped into a member and student of mine from Crystal Downs, Michigan making the same golfing pilgrimage. Golf makes the world small. On a side note the European PGA Tour played the Dunhill Cup the following week using the old course, Carnoustie and KIngsbarns. You may have never heard of Crail, 11miles east of St Andrews. One of the world’s oldest golf clubs, Crail Golfing Society was founded in February 1786 and initially comprised membership of 11 local golfers.
Kingsbarns and caddies LPGA Kathryn Marshall with our team Jim, Phil, Doon, Chuck
Rufflets hotel, St Andrews
The club’s original home was located at Sauchope just outside the picturesque fishing village of Crail and it was not until 1895, with the help of Old Tom Morris did they relocate to their present home at Balcomie Golf Links. Situated on a peninsula jutting into the bay of Firth, which is the North Sea, it is as scenic as a Pebble Beach, reminding me of a course called Brora situated some 200 miles north in the utmost Highlands. Bruce and I had played it in 2013, and like Crail came away with great reviews. Plan on playing a short windy course, only 6000 yards, but voted the “best” by all of us at the end of the week. After Crail we motored an hour north to Carnoustie to stay at a modernized large house providing luxurious Bed & Breakfast. It’s within walking distance of the other Open Championship site. The St. Andrews caddies call Carnoustie,’ Carnasty’. Although Ben Hogan mastered the course in 1953. It is by far the most difficult course, long and tough James Braid design. It is a good course, just difficult! It is also known for the 1999 Open when the suave Frenchman Jean Vander Velde collapsed on the last hole, took a seven to blow a three stroke lead. I think we had a couple of sevens on the card somewhere during the day! Our fifth day showed us an Open qualifying course, Monifieth, just a few miles south of
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L-R,Ray Abruzzo, Richard Zavaglia, Dan Lauria,
Dinner With The Boys
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Photos credit Joan Bateman Gainsboro Studio
potlight and Gainsboro Studio were thrilled to spend 45 minutes shooting production photo’s for the three person cast of the hottest off Broadway shows; “Dinner With the Boys.”
Dan Lauria, (The Wonder Years, Sullivan and Son, and 90 other credits) Ray Abruzzo (NYPD Blue, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Mad Men, and Little Carmine on “The Sopranos.”) and Richard Zavaglia, (LBJ, Donnie Brasco, with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp, Bird, directed by Clint Eastwood, and many others.) They offer a flawless performance of mobsters on the lam. The play is set in a modest kitchen in New Jersey, about a two hour drive from Brooklyn. The exaggerated Italian stereotypes quickly illustrate the absurdity of violence, and vicariously, the actions of real mobsters who perpetrate such indignities. The satire introduces the depiction of the gangsters’ last hit, when ordered to kill their best friend. They transport the body to their hide-out, then plant his remains in the garden. Copious amounts of double entendre’s add to the sometimes subtle, mostly overt, humor that spanned the length of the show. Dan Lauria and Richard Zavaglia’s performance spark fond memories of Dean and Jerry, Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello. Ray Abruzzo nails the comedic genre, delivering one of the funniest Godfather characters ever. His scenes give new meaning to “slapstick.” Ray’s performance was incredible for me. I was familiar with his work only in past serious roles. I can’t divulge more without delivering huge spoiler alerts. Suffice to say, there are numerous funny lines and hilarious scenarios throughout the show. There were even a couple of warm serious moments. “Dinner With the Boys,” delivers in spades, and is a cultural and comedic masterpiece! The production does not boast elaborate special effects
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Stars of Dinner With The Boys with Spotlight Editor
or a supporting cast of meticulously choreographed dancers. Instead, the strength and incredible never ending entertainment emanates from the writing (by Dan Lauria) supported by the superb delivery from these iconic actors. The sound and lighting were exactly right Those combining perfectly with the mesmerizing performance, culminate in your insertion into the play itself. Unfolding drama massages your senses, drawing you in, until you believe you’re witnessing real people and events. The last line of the play evokes the most laughter. Each performance is dedicated to the actors who gave the first public reading of the play at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles. Charles During, Dom DeLuise, Peter Falk, and Jack Klugman. Printed in June 2015 addition
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Alaska Unleashed
Five Days Golfing in Scotland
Dorothy Baker of Crooked Creek Retreat and Outfitters hosted us in style in August 2015. We featured her on the cover “Alaska Unleashed,” in our October 2015 issue. She told the story of waking up to her dog “Clyde,” growling at the glass doors to the deck. She snapped on the outside lights and was face to face with a grizzly bear much like the one depicted here. They stared at each other for a very long 30 seconds.
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“I knew I could never make it to the bedroom where the gun was, so I just looked at him.” After Dorothy seemed harmless, the bruin simply walked off the deck into the darkness. Joan Bateman Spotlight’s # 1 photo journalist took great risk shooting Alaska’s Wildlife. The bear opposite made short work of a ten pound salmon. Fortunately, he was more interested in the fish than a Canadian with a camera. The far left photo had me putting the car into gear if a hasty retreat was needed. The bears eyes are actually a shot with a long lens. But it gives you a close up feeling if for instance, he was to poke his head into your tent at night. Moose and Elk are plentiful as you drive the Alaska highways. For a five star experience, contact Crooked Creek Retreat and Outfitters. 1-907-260-9014
Carnoustie’s spectacle bunker
Carnoustie. Although the opening holes aren’t the most scenic (a rail line runs down the right side of the first five holes). For me, it didn’t deter from a good links course, rolling fairways, beautiful and receptive greens, smooth and true. Do you guess I played my best round of the week? Adding to the fun was a friend of a friend’s host, who is an LPGA player who grew up on Monifieth. She went on to play college golf at University of Arizona, a couple of years ahead of Annika Sorenstrom. She became the first Scottish lady to win on the LPGA Tour! Close by Monifieth, we ate and visited Borough Ferry. A delightful seaside village much preferred to the gray and drab Carnoustie town. After we had all compared our notes, scrutinized the scorecards, and shared our stories, we came to an overwhelming agreement. All the courses we chose were very good. We enjoyed every one of them and would return to Scotland to do it all over again. Crail provided the best overall golfing experience, based on several criteria. Scenery, playable course, friendly local caddies, and dollar value. My guys thought KIngsbarns was the best course and service.
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Alaska Unleashed October 2015
Photo credit Joan Bateman
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Wherever The Strategic Wind Blows
Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it.”
“
The unknown person who first spoke these words demonstrated a great deal of wisdom. The idea has inspired many expressions of the perils associated with injudicious choices, and ill conceived desires. There is much in popular culture from the W. W. Jacobs short story, “The Monkey’s Paw.” To a myriad of movies whose plot lines reflect the concept, to Pussycat Dolls song lyrics, that speak of the unexpected and all too often negative consequences of impulsive choices. All seemingly made with the best of intentions at the time. The results of the recent federal election are to a considerable extent, due to a relatively new phenomenon. That being what is referred to as, “strategic” voting. The concept in the case at hand, is this; in order to oust the incumbent Government, voters were encouraged to vote for the candidates of the party who exhibited the best chance of defeating incumbants. Based on numerous riding results, this was embraced by many voters. The numbers attest to this.
fate, many of those who decried the negative tone that elections have increasingly taken, strategically voted in a most negative manner. This a party touting itself as a positive alternative. The unintended result of such voting is a “winner,” that did not so much win the support of the people, as acquire it by default. This is a shaky mandate at best. Politicians who benefit from “strategic” voting should be wary, as they have a very tenuous hold on their office.
The Conservatives received only 238,000 less votes in 2015 than the 5.835 million that delivered a majority to them in 2011. A tick over 4% down. The NDP lost over one million of their 2011 vote total of just over 4.5 million, representing an exodus of almost 23 percent. All gained by the Liberals. If there is a better explanation of that kind of voter movement, other than their consciously doubling down on what they saw was a winning hand, it’s hard to see. While the idea was certainly effective, it just as certainly has its flaws. It may also be fraught with perils that will not be immediately evident, but will manifest themselves as time goes passes.
Another dubious quality to strategic voting is its reliance on the polls to determine where to shepherd support. In recent years, much criticism has been directed toward public opinion polls. Particularly in the realm of politics. The credibility, accuracy, and as a result, the validity of polling data has been called into question with good reason. In the recent past pollsters have often missed the mark. They failed to foresee the “Orange Wave,” of 2011. Political polls have been consistent in their inconsistencies during multiple provincial elections, particularly the past two in Alberta. One can only imagine the challenges pollsters will face in the upcoming U.S. election.
The first issue to be taken with this type of voting practice is that it’s founded upon a negative sentiment. It’s not an act of choice; it’s an act of rejection. Rejecting a party or candidate in and of itself is not wrong. It’s a perfectly valid act in the democratic process. Where so-called “strategic” voting falls short, is that it asks voters to alternatively cast their vote with less than full circumspection. The choice being made is not rooted in being “for” something, or someone. But merely “against” one specific alternative. In an odd twist of
Yet the call to vote strategically is entirely based on identifying and supporting the party with the best chance to defeat the targeted opponent. This puts tremendous reliance on the polls, allowing their data to greatly influence the outcome, in spite of their increasingly poor performances historically. This results in voter support falling where it otherwise might never have fallen, propelled by the vagaries of +/- 2.5%, 19/20 polling data. Then having support for one party snowball, for no other reason beyond the perception of momentum. Polls may again prove worthy of note. If only because, as a result of the emergence of strategic voting, they have become self-fulfilling prophecies; directing, as opposed to merely reporting, voter intentions. Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of the advent of strategic voting, and undoubtedly one of it’s most unintended results, is
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that it serves to erode rather than edify the bedrock 0f democracy’s root. You may very well consider this a gross overstatement, or dismiss this as “sour grapes.” Bear with me for a moment; there’s a greater principle at stake than partisanship. Regardless of what the media and even the political parties themselves have done to place the focus of elections on the leaders. The fact remains first and foremost, Canadian elections are an exercise in representational government. When we go to the polls, we choose a local candidate to be our advocate in the government. Democracy 101 - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (or Ottawa). Strategic voting doesn’t just shift focus away from the local candidates. It virtually eliminates a reason to give much consideration to them as individuals at all. Strategic voting is so big picture oriented, it fails to account for the nuances of local issues entirely. It robs any hope of election from an individually strong candidate. One who may have the misfortune of representing a party who is deemed in some way by the strategist, to lack the ability to be the primary contender. This serves no purposes beyond weakening the role of local candidates even further. Which is counter to basic democratic principles, and cheapens our votes. For example, if I were a Green Party candidate. I would certainly have taken issue with their party leader’s assertion mid campaign. Being, that the primary goal in this election was to unseat Stephen Harper. Implicit in such a statement is a license to vote strategically. Thus eroding support from her own party’s candidates. An odd strategy, given that the Green Party was poised to grow their seat total. Given the prominence of environmental issues in this election. Voters who might otherwise have voted Green would then park their vote elsewhere. Particularly with a more seat rich alternative. It mattered not where, as long as it was placed alongside enough other votes for the anointed “anyone but,” candidate. Post election, Ms. May conceded that strategic
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Jeremy Scott is a designer who is rocketing into super stardom! Celebrities and common folk alike are scooping up his designs. This season’s collection was typical of the risks this designer is known for, and successfully creates. Living art walked the runway that was retro, 50’s, and very much today! Each model was more colorful and vibrant than the last. The applause at the conclusion of the show was constant and well deserved.
Designer Jeremy Scott
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Photo credit Joan Bateman
Photo credit Joan Bateman
Photo credit Joan Bateman
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Wherever The Strategic Wind Blows
“A dream doesn’t come to reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Colin Powell
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voting hurt Green candidates. Whoops. Advocating strategic voting by any party leader is simply admitting and ensuring defeat in advance. The act of allowing one’s name to stand on a ballot, and seek public office should be applauded, not minimized. A party, it’s leadership and it’s backers, should be “all in,” of their support for their local candidates. As opposed to fickle attention to the winds of the latest read of public opinion. Anything less frays the democratic fibre. Regardless of one’s political leanings, the strength of democracy lies in the ability to choose from a full roster of viable candidates at the local constituency level. We need to convey our appreciation to those individuals who are courageous enough to express their convictions as candidates. Whether we agree with them or otherwise. Being provided with a variety of options is what affords us the luxury of democracy. Strategic voting inadvertently reduces even the successful candidate to a mere placeholder. Elected more for the colour of the sign than thier policy, and further centralizes and concentrates power within the elite party leadership. Not a particularly democratic thought. A lesson successive Governments have learned the hard way, over and over. Strategic voting doesn’t remedy this; rather it contributes to non-representation. The overarching principle of so-called strategic voting is rooted in the idea that a voter should somehow be compelled to vote for a candidate without full regard for, or endorsement of, what he or she believes. It’s a somewhat less attractive proposition when it’s examined in this light. If one’s motivation is solely to ensure the demise of one alternative, with little to no consideration beyond that singular goal. One can only expect unexpected consequences, once election day passes.
settle - mediocrity at it’s finest. “Don’t vote as an expression of your unreserved convictions. Compromise your principles to ensure that anybody but ... gets in. Don’t vote for the candidate that best represents your ideals. Vote for the candidate from the party that has the best chance to beat the incumbent. Policies and platforms be damned.” Is this what and where our democratic process has devolved? This is what “strategic,” voting promotes. What then is the result of strategic voting? A government with an arguable mandate, knowing, if it is at all self aware, that it is in power less by endorsement than by default. A government pressed into power by an electorate basing it’s decision on information that has historically been often proven faulty. A government, consisting not necessarily of the best candidates available, but placeholders. Again chosen by default and not individual merit. Thus ensuring that the actual influence is concentrated at the elite leadership levels. (Which, ironically enough, was a chief complaint by those advocating strategic voting in the first place.) A government that could very well govern in a manner inconsistent with the actual desires of the electorate. Not due to it’s disregard of the voters who elected them, but due to the people’s disregard while voting stategically.
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Then don’t be surprised if you are unhappy by the government we elected. For we did not so much as choose it, as allowed it to win. We did not consciously place upon it the mantle of leadership. That mantle was wrested away from it’s predecessor, and thrust in it’s general direction. In the vague hope that it would somehow be better, based on the equally vague promise of real change. Indeed, we may very well get exactly what we wished for, but it may not be what we expected. Writen by Brent Dunstan
Indiscriminate voting is, quite bluntly, dangerous. The call to vote strategically is a call to vote in a less than fully discriminate manner. It’s not an encouragement to vote “for,” a candidate or party whole-heartedly and without qualification. It’s a request to
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WATCH OUT FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE 24
